We’ve known it all along — this guy can play. Despite playing just under half an hour in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Austin FC, Loons midfielder James Rodríguez stole the show with two fantastic assists. These were his first two goal contributions in Black and Blue, and after seeing flashes of his quality in each of his previous appearances, they were timely interventions that earned the club a valuable point in a tight Western Conference. 

After coming into the match in the 63rd minute, James immediately took over the game. His presence on the pitch naturally changes the decision-making of teammates and opponents alike, as his ability to pick out a pass anywhere on the pitch makes him a true game-changer. It took him just six minutes to put the Loons on the board when his cross to the far post found the head of Anthony Markanich for the easy header to finish off an impressive passage of play from the home team. And it only got better from there.

In the 77th minute, James and Joaquín Pereyra found themselves together in the corner with a pack of Austin defenders ready to pounce. Their creativity shone through, as Pereyra slotted a ball to James to escape pressure, the Colombian maestro played a brilliant return pass through onrushing defenders, and Pereyra curled home the finish for the second goal of the night. 

From a statistical standpoint, this weekend’s performance was undoubtedly James’ best in a Minnesota United shirt. Now, with just one game left until he leaves to join the Colombian national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he’ll have another chance to improve upon his wizardry when the Loons take on the Rapids at Allianz Field this Wednesday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. CT. 

TOTM 12

F: Gabriel Pec (LA), Kevin Kelsy (POR), Lionel Messi (MIA)

M: Hannes Wolf (NYC), Jack McGlynn (HOU), Rodrigo De Paul (MIA), Warren Madrigal (NSH)

D: Mamadou Fofana (NE), Dylan Nealis (RBNY), Andy Nájar (NSH)

GK: Daniel (SJ)

Coach: Marko Mitrović (NE)

Bench: Duran Ferree (SD), Kaick (DAL), Sebastian Berhalter (VAN), Carles Gil (NE), Pep Biel (CLT), James Rodríguez (MIN), Nicolás Fernández Mercau (NYC), Kristoffer Velde (POR), Emilio Aristizábal (TOR)